CALENDAR GIRLS
Written by Tim Firth
Directed by Larry Eisenberg
Based on the wonderful motion picture, CALENDAR GIRLS, written by Tim Firth based on the Miramax motion picture by Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth, is the Group Rep’s final production of their successful 42nd Season. And a fun and lively show it is.
We all remember the moving story about a group of women in Knapley, a Yorkshire town in England, who set out to raise money to buy a new sofa for the local hospital in memory of Annie’s husband John (Lauren Peterson and Doug Haverty), and end up producing a calendar that uncovers more than the average charity calendar. The women belong to the WI or Women’s Institute which is a large organization in England with separate chapters throughout the country. Chris (Michele Bernath) comes up with the idea for the revealing calendar, but the WI is “aghast” at this type of fundraising opportunity. You see, last year the calendar was of churches. And this year….. Well, it isn’t plum jam and tea cozies.
Each woman is shy at first. After all, they are baring it all, as well as being middle-aged women from a small town in Northern England.
But then, they “get their kit off” as the English saying goes, and bring their own special essence to the calendar, and the photo shoot that captures each of their attributes. These special women are Cora (LizAnne Keigley), Celia (Vesna Tolomanoska), Jessie (Cheryl Crosland Butler) and Ruth (Julie Davis). The WI headquarters ladies are Lady Cravenshire/Brenda (Lareen Faye) and Elaine (Jennifer Nicole Ross). Rob (Chris Winfield) is Chris’ husband, and our photographer Lawrence (James Guinn) and Liam (Devin Juleff) round out a wonderful ensemble cast.
Great direction by Larry Eisenberg with a huge cast. Great set, the costumes are fun, music and props terrific. Everything brings together an entertaining evening, and one filled with tasteful, and minimal nudity.
Again, I have to say how fantastic this cast is. CALENDAR GIRLS is a great finale to a thoroughly enjoyable season! Onward to season 43!
Cast: Michele Bernath*, Cheryl Crosland Butler, Julie Davis, Lareen Faye, James Guinn, Doug Haverty, Belinda Howell, Devin Juleff, LizAnne Keigley, Lauren Peterson, Jennifer Nicole Ross, Vesna Tolomanoska, and Chris Winfield.
Director: Larry Eisenberg
Producer for the Group Rep: Drina Durazo
Dialect Coach: Glenda Morgan Brown
Assistant Director: Alyson York
Music Advisor: Paul Cady
Scenic & Light Design: J. Kent Inasy
Costume Design: Angela M. Eads
Prop Design: Hisato Masuyama & Kyra Schwartz
Sound Design: Steve Shaw
Marketing & Backstage Dresser: Cynthia Howe
Public Relations: Nora Feldman
Graphic Design: Doug Haverty + Art & Soul Design
Program: Drina Durazo
Lonny Chapman Theatre
10900 Burbank Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Buy Tickets: www.thegrouprep.com or 818-763-5990
When: August 26 – October 9, 2016
Plays: Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Sunday matinees at 2pm
Q & A Talk-backs after Sunday matinees: Sept 4 and Sept 18
Mild adult themes: Brief partial nudity
Appropriate for Ages 14+
General Admission: $25; Senior/Students: $20 with ID
Advance Pre-Paid Parties of 10+: $15
Running Time: Approximately 120 minutes with a 15 minute intermission
Wheelchair accessible